Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Parables of Jesus | Week 4 | Jesus was criticized for eating with sinners and tax collectors so he told a parable to the Pharisees and Scribes: the parable of the prodigal son. Darrell unpacks the scandal of what Jesus shared because it revealed the heart of the Father in a way that challenged the religiosity of the Jewish leaders. The story of the son is one of shame and disgrace, for him to squander the wealth of his family was an embarrassment to him, his family, and the community. But the greater shame was for the Father to run out and embrace the son upon him returning home and confessing. In doing so, the father brought the shame of the community onto himself. He then clothes the son, gives him his signet ring, and kills the fattened calf for a feast that defies all cultural norms. As Jesus tells this story, he is painting a picture of the father’s heart for those the Pharisees deemed unworthy and his willingness to love them shamelessly. Darrell encourages us that we can never earn back God’s love, but we can come home. 

First Baptist Church, Vancouver, BC, 2013 | Luke 15:1-3 & 11-24

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